Freeport businesswoman Kay Halbin set to retire again

FREEPORT — After 26 years at a local phone company, Kay Halbin retired, only to find herself in the work force again as the general manager of Country Inn & Suites in Freeport.

By Jane Lethlean

Journal Standard

By Jane Lethlean

Posted Jun. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 18, 2013 at 5:02 PM

By Jane Lethlean

Posted Jun. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 18, 2013 at 5:02 PM

FREEPORT — After 26 years at a local phone company, Kay Halbin retired, only to find herself in the work force again as the general manager of Country Inn & Suites in Freeport.

Eighteen years later, she’s retiring again — for the most part.

Even now, Halbin, 67, isn’t quite ready to hang up her customer service smile. While she has handed over the reins to Dawn Duncan as general manager, she plans to still work part time.

“This is my second retirement, and there are things I want to do, but I still plan to do a couple of shifts, Halbin said. “I like the people aspect and am not ready to completely walk away.”

Halbin’s commitment to the hotel paid off over the years. The site under Halbin’s direction won more awards than any other Country Inn & Suites location. The Country Inn & Suites has been ranked sixth out of 604 Carlson Brands, who owns the hotel franchise.

Dave Swift, president and CEO of Swift Hospitality Group that owns the Freeport Country Inn & Suites, said he is proud of the service Halbin has given to the hotel.

“She and I got into the hotel business at the same time,” he said. “We have learned together, and we never expected to grow to the level that we have here in Freeport.”

“I believe in treating guests as you want to be treated yourself,” Halbin said. “I feel fortunate to have had a second career in my life. I didn’t know it would affect me this way. We have a great staff here.”

Next up for Halbin is a cruise with her husband, John. There will be a reception in her honor for the public from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Country Inn & Suites, 1710 Dirck Drive.